Tuesday, March 20, 2012

A little pink

A little pink by brightnewthings
A little pink, a photo by brightnewthings on Flickr.

Happy first day of Spring! I wanted to share a little Springtime cheer with you today. While the winter here in So Cal hasn't been terrible, it's been an emotionally challenging one for me, so today's warm sun and fresh breezes feel particularly prophetic.

It's been a while since I've had too much time to wander about aimlessley with a camera. I took this TTV picture several years ago, and I remember that things were a little darker at that time too. This picture always fills me with a flash of the hope and giddiness of Spring, and I hope it does the same for you!

How will you celebrate this Spring?

Monday, February 20, 2012

A peek at my Valentine's Day shopping list.

Like a lot of crafters and collectors, I try to support my peers and fellow crafters, especially during the holidays when I do a lot of shopping. This year Falcon and Finch has been doing really well(knock on wood,) so I had a little bit of extra cash this valentine's day to share with my loved ones, and I wanted to share my special finds with you!

I spoiled my mom and a close girlfriend with treats from NicolesTreats
My mom especially loved the Belgian White Chocolate Mediants with Hazelnuts and Dried Apricot. Sweet and fruity, they came super well packaged in little white boxes, with cold packs added to keep them cool. Both of these ladies in my life needed a little Vday pick me up, and these really hit the spot.


And of course, I made extra effort to spoil my lovely husband. We've been married close to a year now, and it's very hard to live in a honeymoon state all the time, but we do try. I picked him out two really special things.

First, I got him the Saigon Cinnamon Chocolate Truffle Hearts from Cheri at CalabasasCandyCo. I've been curious about her shop for a while - everything looks so delicious, and obviously, I shop with my stomach. Also, Calabasas is super close to me, so it's sort of perfect as my go to gourmet candy shop. I actually got the hubby the sampler, but Cheri was super helpful and replaced two of the flavors with batches of her Cinnamon hearts. Which, by the way, appear to be seasonal - If you missed them, you gotta wait till next year! And believe me, you did miss out. They are so aromatic and richly flavored. We're both so smitten, I sort of wish I had ordered more!

Finally, and this may be my favorite gift I've gotten anyone, ever, was a hand written love letter from the amazing Arteriole. She actually did some of the calligraphy for our wedding invitations, and working with her then was such a pleasure. I've stalked her shop frequently since then, and this listing caught my eye. A hand written love letter of your own composition, in a hand of your choice, with a hand painted illustration. In fact, the golden luckenbooth she uses in her first picture is actually from our letter:) Awwwww! I didn't have her write just any old letter. My honey has carried around a letter in his wallet that I wrote hime when we had been dating for only six months. Obvsiously, it's pretty tattered. She transcribed it onto a thin but surprisingly tough, lovely translucent vellum, in an antique looking brown ink. She added the luckenbooth at my request, an important symbol to both of us.



I do think that this is the most romantic gift ever, and Andrew's eyes got so misty when he opened it. He said it was the most thoughtful gift he had ever received.

Finding the perfect gift for each person and occasion is one of my lofe missions. I hope this little peek may have given you some ideas for your own gift shopping!

Friday, January 27, 2012

What's up with me? What's up with you?

Things are very busy for us at Falcon and Finch right now, mostly because half of the family is busy with Mua Lan, or Vietnamese style lion dancing, for the Vietnamese New Year. Sound crazy? Why, yes, it is! But more on that later. For now, just trust that I'm swamped and foot sore. However, I did want to spare a few moments to tell you about something super nifty and exciting going on in the shop.

My mom and I have teamed up to make pretty little vintage inspired air plant gardens! this may seem like a stretch for a shop that mostly deals with vintage cameras and silverware, but trust me, it's coming from a long and passionate love affair with vintage spaces and gardens.


My mom and I both spent much of our lives in my grandparent's, now my mother's, 100 year old farm house, surrounded by relics and fascinated by our rich family history. This includes the kitchen garden. This garden... oh, let me tell you about this garden. The herbs that my grandfather planted have become a ground cover - especially the oregano, mints and thyme. Every step you take releases the most amazing scents. In the spring, the enormous, 30 year old rosemary bush is alive with honeybees. In the late summer, ripe figs drop into your hand, begging to be eaten.... it's a secret and sensous place.



Of course, the air plant Tillandsia is a bit of a far cry from the lush mystery of the family garden. But it's a sturdy and intriguing little plant, perfect for sharing our love of green and growing things with others. In the near future, look for our moss gardens and victorian inspired terrariums!

Monday, January 2, 2012

My Christmas Gift To Myself....


When you sell vintage, you tend to fall a little bit in love with everything you find for your shop. There is a continual tiny heart break every time you send a beautiful object off to live with someone else.... So every once in a while - and I mean, very VERY rarely, otherwise I'd look that bag lady goblin from Labyrinth - I find a little treasure just for myself.

I picked up this gorgeous vintage clutch, studded with Aurora Borealis colored crystals at the estate sale of a very artistic and creative lady who had once been a Playboy Bunny, back in the 60's. She had striking and very unique taste. I love this bag, it's so glamorous and divine, but with a simple design. Striking, but not over the top. And in perfect condition. I knew it had to come home with me. Now that I have the bag, I just have to find the right party to wear it!